Explanation
The December 2004 ice storm exposed vulnerability in the City's ability to maintain safe roads in severe adverse conditions. The loss of electrical power at the Transportation Division's outposts and facilities supporting the outposts restricted the Division's ability to provide cleared and maintained streets; this situation potentially endangers public safety to the extent that police, fire and emergency medical services response time is slowed or even inaccessible. Correction of the service breach requires that back-up emergency power at specific facilities be available until regular power is restored. Firms were requested to render quotes to design back-up power systems for two (2) different groups of locations designated as "Group A" and "Group B".
Previous legislation, Ordinance 1283-2005 passed by City Council July 25, 2005 awarded a $50,000.00 contract to GPD Group for the Group B locations.
This legislation authorizes the Public Service Director to enter into a design contract with Star Consultants, Incorporated, for the Transportation Division for the Group A locations in the amount of $49,100.00. This contract will provide the Transportation Division with the design work necessary to produce bid documents for (1) the purchase of six (6) backup generators and transfer switches and power distribution centers at two outposts and (2) the installation of the distribution centers and stand-by power at three sites. An contract is needed to assure timely completion of the design and because the Transportation Division does not maintain adequate staff or all of the various disciplines necessary to complete such design work in-house.
The selection process for this contract was performed in accordance with provisions of City Code Chapter 329.11. Thirteen (13) firms were requested to submit proposals: Star Consultants, Incorporated; Advanced Engineering Consultants; GPD Group, and Communication Engineering Consultants, LLC, actually did so.
The Public Service Director determined that Star Consultants, Incorporated, contract compliance number 31-1558857 (expires February 28, 2007) submitted the best overall proposal for this work.
Fiscal Impact: The Transportation Division budgeted $1 million in the 2005 Capital Improvements Budget for generators to provide emergency power. Actual funds will be available in the 1995, 1999 Voted Streets and Highways Fund for this project as a result of the Fall 2005 Bond Sale. This ordinance authorizes an expenditure of $49,100.00.
Emergency action is requested so that various city facilities providing essential services to the community throughout the year can be properly upgraded as soon as possible.
Title
To authorize the Public Service Director to enter into a contract with Star Consultants, Incorporated, for design of stand-by power systems for the Transportation Division's north, south and west outposts; to authorize the expenditure of $49,100.00 from the 1995, 1999 Voted Streets and Highways Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($49,100.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the Public Service Director has identified the need to procure design services to provide stand-by power for the Transportation Division's north, south and west outposts; and
WHEREAS, a satisfactory proposal has been submitted by Star Consultants, Incorporated; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Public Service Department, Transportation Division, in that this design contract should be awarded immediately so that the purchase and installation of the stand by power systems can proceed in a timely manner and keep commitments made to the local community, thereby preserving the public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Public Service Director be and hereby is authorized to enter into a contract with Star Consultants, Incorporated, 1910 Bethel Road, Columbus, Ohio 43220 in an amount not to exceed $49,100.00 for the design of stand-by power systems for the Transportation Division's north, south and west outposts.
SECTION 2. That for the purpose of paying the cost thereof, the sum of $49,100.00 or so much thereof as may be needed be and hereby is authorized to be expended from Fund 704, the 1995, 1999 Voted Streets and Highways Fund, Department No. 59-09, Transportation Division, Object Level One Code 06, Object Level Three Code 6681, OCA Code 644385 and Project 590130.
SECTION 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.